Painting the exterior of a house It can be one of the most effective and economical ways to refresh its appearance and increase its value. A change of color or a new finish on the facade completely transforms the perception of the home, protects it from the elements, and, in doing so, reflects the style and personality of those who live there.
But it's not enough to just choose the trendy color or jump in with a paintbrush on a weekend. Achieving a professional and long-lasting finish requires choosing the right products, thoroughly preparing the surfaces, and following a structured process. In this guide, we'll tell you, step by step, how to paint the exterior of a house. like a true expert, integrating all the tips and tricks of the professionals so that the result is spectacular and long-lasting.
Preparations: much more than choosing a color
Before you get started, it is essential spend time planningThis includes everything from choosing the paint and materials to a detailed review of the façade's condition. Proper preparation is key to a lasting result, so don't rush this stage.
The first thing is to define the style, colors and finishes desiredYou can opt for a monochromatic facade, playing with two tones that complement each other – like salmon with ivory or sky blue with graphite gray—or dare to try more striking combinations if you're looking for a vibrant and distinctive effect. There are also additional decorative options: adding Talavera tile or tile details in visible areas, or creating textured effects with reliefs, waves, or repeated patterns along the wall to give it more dynamism.
Of course, before deciding on a design, check the compatibility of the paint with the surface and make sure you choose specific outdoor products, prepared to withstand sun, rain, and temperature changes. You can also check out our recommendations on .
What type of paint should I use outdoors?
The outdoor climate is much more demanding than the interior of a home, so the choice of paint Mark the difference. Always prioritize exterior paints, as these are formulated to be resistant to moisture, UV rays and mold.
The acrylic paints and acrylic vinyl are the most recommended for facades. This type of paint, like 100% acrylic with The anti-fungal and washable formula resists moisture, salt, and sunlight without losing color or shine. It's also highly durable and easy to clean, keeping your home looking newer for longer.
Don't forget to check with the store or the manufacturer that the paint has extras , the antifungal protection, anti-fading properties and alkalinity resistance, especially if you live in rainy or very sunny areas.
Surface cleaning and preparation: the key to success
A very common mistake is to start painting over a dirty facade or one with old paint residue, which causes the new coat to not adhere properly and peel off quickly. Therefore, the first real step is to deep clean the entire exterior wall before applying any product.
Use a pressure hose or an expandable hose to remove dust, grease, cobwebs and any accumulated dirt. If the wall has saltpeter (white salt stains), help from a wire brush to remove it and then go over it with a soft brush to remove any residue.
Once the surface is clean, make sure it is completely dryIf you try to paint over a wet wall, the result will be disastrous. Wait the necessary amount of time, especially if the weather is humid or it has recently rained.
Choosing the best time of year to paint
La time of the year The paint you choose can greatly influence the drying and adhesion of the paint. Avoid rainy, humid, or extremely hot days. Ideally, paint during dry, temperate periods, with constant temperatures and no risk of precipitation, as this will the paint will dry faster and will adhere better to the surface.
Plan your project to take advantage of the best weather conditions and check the forecast to ensure you will have at least two or three days without rain.
Repair and level: fill cracks and fissures
After cleaning and drying, it's time to check the condition of the facade. The exterior walls usually have cracks, fissures and defects due to the passage of time or adverse weather conditions.
For a perfect finish, fill these imperfections using a liquid filler specifically for exteriorsApply with a spatula, filling all cracks, splits, and uneven surfaces. In areas where the material has come loose, be sure to level and smooth it with the filler so the entire facade is as uniform as possible.
This step is essential to prevent patches or areas of different texture from being noticeable once painted, and it also helps prevent leaks in the future.
Using primers and sealers: prepare for better adhesion
A step that many leave aside, but that makes the difference in the durability of the color, is the application of primers and sealants. If the surface is wood, metal, masonry, plastic or ceramic, never apply the paint directly.
The printers o primers for exteriors improve paint adhesion, increase waterproofing and protect the support from climatic wear. In addition, they help to block stains that you have not been able to remove and protect against corrosion. Try to choose eco-friendly primers with quality seals, and if you're in a hurry, choose quick-drying ones.
On concrete or masonry surfaces, you can also complement with a specific sealant (e.g. polyurethane-based), which creates a thermal and adhesion barrier so that the paint sets more evenly and resists weathering better.
Tools and applicators: brush, roller or spray gun?
One of the big doubts when painting a facade is what tool to use to apply the paint. Each has its advantages, and you'll achieve the best results by combining several, depending on the area:
- Brush: Perfect for details, edges, corners, and hard-to-reach areas. Choose brushes with durable, natural bristles and ergonomic handles.
- RollerIdeal for applying paint evenly over large surfaces. Uses solvent-resistant, woven-pile rollers in various sizes for different applications.
- Spray gun: If you're looking for speed and professional finishes, the gun minimizes waste and allows you to create perfectly smooth and uniform layers, especially on large, flat surfaces.
Don't limit yourself to just one tool: the brush for trimming corners and frames, the roller for large areas, and the spray gun if you have experience and are looking for the most professional results.
Protections and security measures
Painting a facade can involve certain risks, especially if you have to climb a ladder or work at heights. Always use suitable protective equipmentGloves, goggles, a dust mask, and non-slip footwear. If you're using a spray gun, also wear a hood and long-sleeved clothing.
Avoid working alone in elevated areas and make sure keep the ladder stableIf there are ledges or roofs, ask for help to support the base or protect the ground and garden with plastic and cardboard to avoid accidentally staining anything.
Painting the exterior: step by step towards a professional result
When it comes time to paint, follow a logical and careful order so that everything goes smoothly:
- Start at the edges and cornersFirst, paint cornices, corners, and areas where liquids might drip from the roof. Use a brush for precision and reach all corners.
- Follow from top to bottomApply the paint from the top of the wall downward, using smooth diagonal strokes. This will help control possible drips and ensure even coverage.
- Apply in thin layers: Don't try to get it perfect all at once. It's better to give two or three thin layers, allowing the manufacturer to dry between each one as recommended (normally between 2 and 3 hours, although there are quick-drying products that allow you to continue working in 1 hour).
- Combine the tools: Brush and roller can be alternated for large areas and details. If using a spray gun, maintain distance and overlap strokes to avoid leaving uncovered areas.
- Repeat the process in each areaIf you have a large house, divide the facade into sections and work gradually. This way, you'll maintain the same rhythm and avoid leaving cut marks or color differences.
Recommendations for a perfect and long-lasting finish
For the result to look good impeccable for many years, follow these little tricks that make a difference:
- Respect drying timesThe key to adhesion is to wait between coats as long as the product indicates. Don't rush the process or paint in direct sunlight during the hottest hours.
- Do not paint in high humidity conditions.The paint will not set evenly and may cause staining or chipping.
- Check the forecast and never paint if there is a chance of rain in the next 48 hours.
- Clean your tools when you're done. so they can be reused and avoid dry remains that cause lumps the next time.
- Ask friends or family for help If the surface is very large: you will finish sooner and the work will be much more bearable.
Painting the exterior of your home requires organization, the right products, and following all these steps to ensure a long-lasting, high-quality finish. With a little patience and care, you can transform your home and achieve a renewed, durable facade that reflects your style.